Greek Tragedy

Description

Examines critically the growth of Greek Tragedy during the fifth century BC, and involves the study of plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides from dramatic, literary, and historical perspectives.

Availability

Not currently available.

This Course was last offered in Semester 1 - 2015.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. To extend the student's knowledge of a key area in which ancient Greece had a lasting effect on western drama and literature, contributing towards an in depth knowledge of the golden age of classical Athens, and showing the connections between dramatic, literary, and historical studies of the area.

2. To develop the ability to critically and imaginatively read ancient dramatic texts in translation, visualising production possibilities within the context of the ancient stage and its audience.

3. To encourage the accurate expression of one's informed critical responses to ancient texts, and of one's evaluation of production possibilities, both orally and, more especially, in written form.

4. To develop an understanding of the ethical issues that play a part in ancient tragedy, and of the need to approach them in a manner sympathetic to ancient Greek culture.

Content

Definitions of tragedy

The early development of tragedy at Athens

The content of Greek Tragedy

Aeschylus

Sophocles

Euripides

Overview of the developments between Aeschylus and Euripides, considered in relation to historical change and likely audience tastes.